Kisumu county intensifies efforts to combat malnutrition

Kisumu County is stepping up efforts to combat malnutrition through the Baby-Friendly Community Initiative (BFCI).

The programme aims to strengthen nutrition resilience and recovery for crisis-affected households, aligning with Kenya’s National Maternal, Infant, and Young Child Nutrition (MIYCN) Policy and global guidelines from UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO).

Kisumu County Health Executive Dr Gregory Ganda, expressed concern over the growing number of malnourished children in the region and called for urgent intervention to reverse the trend.

“The statistics are worrying. Too many children are not getting the nourishment they need, and if we do not act now, we risk losing an entire generation to the long-term effects of malnutrition,” he said.

Recent data shows that out of 183,116 children in Kisumu, 5,493 are suffering from wasting, 16,663 are stunted, and 6,409 are underweight.

These numbers indicate that thousands of children are at risk of developmental challenges, poor academic performance, and increased susceptibility to diseases.

Dr Rosemary Obara, a nutrition expert at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital warned that the long-term consequences of malnutrition extend beyond childhood.

“A malnourished child is likely to struggle in school, face health complications, and ultimately have limited opportunities in adulthood. This is not just a health issue; it’s a societal and economic crisis,” she said.

To address these concerns, Kisumu County’s Health Department launched the BFCI programme in Nyando Sub-County, with plans to scale it up across the region.

The initiative is designed to bridge the gap between healthcare facilities and local communities by promoting exclusive breastfeeding, better complementary feeding practices, and stronger community support systems.

Judith Achieng, a community health worker in Nyando, praised the initiative for educating  mothers how to provide proper nutrition for their children.

“Many mothers simply lack the right information. Through BFCI, we are teaching them about breastfeeding, nutritious foods, and how to keep their children healthy. The response has been overwhelmingly positive,” she said.

BFCI is further supported by the Breast Milk Substitutes (Regulation and Control) Act of 2012, which promotes breastfeeding as the best source of nutrition for infants while regulating the marketing of infant formula.

At the same time school feeding programs are being implemented to provide nutritious meals to school-going children, including Nyota beans, a locally grown variety rich in iron, which is helping to combat anaemia.

Looking ahead, Kisumu County plans to expand BFCI to all sub-counties while fostering collaboration between key sectors such as education, agriculture, and healthcare.

Dr Ganda reaffirmed the county’s dedication to fighting malnutrition, stating, “A healthy child today means a stronger, more productive Kisumu tomorrow. We will not stop until every child has access to proper nutrition and the opportunity to thrive.”

With continued investment and strong community involvement, Kisumu County is taking bold steps toward reducing malnutrition rates and securing a healthier future for its children.